Utility companies prepare for Charlotte's onslaught

As residents form Maine to New Jersey get ready for a potential historic snowstorm, here in Connecticut the state's two utility companies are preparing for whatever mother nature has in store.

Connecticut Light & Power, which is based in Berlin, said it's reviewing its emergency plans and is getting prepared for any possible power outages.

According to the latest weather forecast, heavy, wet snow combined with blizzard-like conditions will have the potential to cut power to thousands of residents.

CL&P officials said a blizzard presents unique challenges from a logistical standpoint, making travel extremely difficult or impossible. The state's largest utility company is preparing its fleet of trucks to better handle the hazardous road conditions.

While officials are stressing that the company is preparing, it's also important for customers to prepare themselves. Officials said people should consider purchasing flashlights & extra batteries, a battery operated or hand crank radio, a first-aid kit and extra medications, canned foods, a manual can opener, bottled water, baby and pet supplies and important phone numbers.